It pays to share road safety videos in RAK

ras al khaimah — Authorities in RAK have implemented an ingenious way for motorists to “pay for” road violations committed in the emirate: At least 74 motorists had their traffic fines revoked by posting road safety awareness videos on the RAK Traffic and Patrols department’s Whatsapp number.

The fines were cancelled in line with the ‘Smile & Decide’ scheme launched in February this year. “Motorists are urged to get at least 12 different traffic violations cancelled by shooting a video on public traffic awareness, and sharing the same on the RAK police social media channels,” said Brig. Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, director-general of the central operations department at RAK Police.

ras al khaimah — As many as 74 motorists in Ras Al Khaimah have had their traffic fines revoked, in return for posting road awareness videos on the RAK Traffic and Patrols department’s Whatsapp number.

The 74 people were among those 150 motorists who were issued fines from March 1 to April 15, according to a senior police officer.

Drivers or passenger’s failure to fasten seatbelts, overtaking, using the phone while driving, and parking at prohibited areas were on top of the 150 traffic violations registered.

Brigadier Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, director-general of the central operations department, RAK Police, said the fines were cancelled in line with the ‘Smile & Decide’ scheme launched in February this year.

The initiative was launched by the RAK Police to develop public awareness in an innovative way, curb traffic violations, and encourage drivers to observe rules and regulations.

“RAK motorists were urged to get at least 12 different traffic violations cancelled by simply shooting a video on public traffic awareness, and sharing the same on the RAK police social media channels, mainly Whatsapp,” Brig Al Humaidi said. However, dangerous violations that pose a grave risk to road users’ safety will not be exempted.

The motorists were urged to post the one-minute awareness video within 10 days of the violation. However, a driver may have only one violation revoked per person — which was registered in the driver’s presence.

Though 74 drivers fined have had their violations cancelled, the remaining 76 ones failed to chip in, he said. The official added that “other members of the society may also shoot and send such awareness videos to the same number 0565245809.”

“The RAK Police are all set to launch more initiatives to meet the national index of reducing the road accident casualties against every 100,000 people.” ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

RAK motorists were urged to get at least 12 different traffic violations cancelled by simply shooting a video on public traffic awareness, and sharing the same on the RAK police social media channels.” Brig. Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, director-general, central operations dept, RAK Police